Local Plan 2011-2031 Proposed Submission Draft

* We are writing to object to the proposed plan to put 33 new houses on this site in Claybush Road. Whilst we understand the pressure on Government and North Herts Council to provide new homes we feel that this site is unsuitable for the proposed development. The entrance into Ashwell provides a generally unspoilt view across open fields driving from or the A505. This development will have the effect of blighting this landscape. It will also spoil the views from the nearby Arbury Banks archaeological site.
* The access to & exit from the proposed site onto Claybush road will we fear be a danger both to traffic entering Ashwell & exiting this the proposed very narrow site exit & would appear to contravene your own planning guidelines.
* There is no public footpath to or from the site and it would/will be very difficult for the elderly or handicapped to access the site because of the lack of footpath & also the steep climb from the village centre(& facilities).
* We have recently been sent a copy of the draft of the Ashwell local plan. This development ignores the wishes of the local villagers & the choice of other local sites in the village that have been identified by the Parish Council with the imput of local people. These other sites offer better and safer access. The primary need identified in Ashwell is homes for elderly residents to downsize to and starter homes for younger people. Because its location the Claybush site will not meet these needs.
* To summarise this proposed development is against the wishes of the local community, appears in conflict with the national Planning Policy framework and the community plans of North Herts Council (P.60 and Page 134 of the Local Plan.